Originally posted by old_goat2:
Originally posted by Ulysseys:
There are so many good deals on bows that I've always wanted to try but it seems like nobody shoots over 45# anymore. Are guys actually hunting with bows in the 43-45 lb range?
Look at the vintage bows for sale, very few in higher poundages, how come you're shooting so heavy? I think the first responder above nailed a lot of it! Also a lot of guys are learning proper form and drawing past 28" which also calls for a lower at 28" draw bow. Draw length trumps draw weight. [/b]
I draw all of 29-1/2" (I usually just nock and head taper a 32" shaft for 31" BOP) and I add 5# or so to the listed 28" AMO weight. My favorite bow is 52# @ 28". Normally I get an entry and exit hole - several kept on going on the backside of whitetails. I like to hunt small game and stump shoot and I would think more energy would just be tougher on the wood shafts hitting rocks or hardwood.
The last deer I took was with a 47# ("45xx") and the broadhead stopped a foot beyond the far hide.
Right now I'm shooting a 56" Browning Wasp marked 45#. I haven't chrono'd it but the arrows seem to get to the targets just fine. Since I limit my shots to 20 yards or so I don't need more for whitetail.
When I use a bow I use it lots (almost every day year-round) and I have owned up to 65# trad bows - a Dan Quillian Patriot - or should I say they owned me? I can't do a 60 shot event with even a 60# bow and keep consistent. I can with 45# to 55# marked bow. So that's what I use.